Course Reflection: Professional Development and Business Communication

This report is a reflection on a course focused on professional development and business communication. It covers various aspects discussed throughout the course, including the importance of communication, business foundations, and interpersonal skills. The reflection highlights the significance of effective communication skills, both written and visual, and how they contribute to professional success. The report discusses the role of interpersonal skills in the business environment, emphasizing their importance in teamwork and client relations. The course also covered the writing process, academic writing, professional development, and public speaking. Furthermore, it touches upon reflective writing, analysis, and presentation of research information, business writing, and team effectiveness. The student emphasizes the practical application of the learned skills in their professional life, including managing performance and enhancing the performance of others.

RUNNING HEAD: Professional development and Business communication
Professional development and Business communication

Professional development and Business communication 1
Table of Contents
Reflection...................................................................................................................................2
References..................................................................................................................................6

Professional development and Business communication 2
Reflection
I have conducted this reflection on the topic “Professional development and Business
communication”. This reflection will cover the different aspects which have been discussed
during the course. For the execution of this course, different aspects have been analyzed
which plays a vital role in enhancing the skills and knowledge of the individual for its
professional development. I have developed knowledge of these aspects which forms a base
for the professional as well as personal life. Knowledge gained during the execution of this
course will help me in performing the tasks of the professional life in a better manner.
Different aspects have been discussed in the different weeks during the course.
I have learned the role and importance of communication and business foundation.
Communication and business foundation are essential elements as the communication process
adopted by the business needs to be effective while communicating with the others. For the
exchange of the information in an effective manner, there is a need to develop effective
communication skills. This communication skill will be used for interacting with the different
individuals in the workplace. I will use the knowledge which I have gained for the purpose of
enhancing the flow of information and communicating with others in the professional life
(Vijayalakshmi, 2016).
Another important element is interpersonal skills which are important for the individual for
surviving in the dynamic business environment. Interpersonal skills can be explained as the
skills which help in interacting with the different individuals in a better way. I have
understood that interpersonal skills have encouraged me for interacting with the others and
exchanging the information in a better manner. I will use the effective interpersonal skills for
ensuring that the whole team is performing well and ensures that positive environment at the

Professional development and Business communication 3
workplace is maintained. I will be able to develop a strong relationship with the co-workers
and clients (Singh & Lalropuii, 2014).
Communication through visuals has been discussed in the course which is an important part
of the communication process. For developing effective communication skills, there is a need
to develop the visual communication. In the communication through visuals, communication
will be done with the help of the symbols and imagery. As a professional, there is a need to
develop proper communication skills for communicating with the others using different
methods of communication (Winslow, et. al., 2015). I will apply visual communication skills
developed for exchanging information in a better manner and saving the time involved in the
communication process. An advantage associated with the use of communication through
visuals includes retention of the data or information exchanged effectively (Hans & Hans,
2014).
The concept of writing process and writing academically has been discussed in this course.
An important aspect of the life of a professional is written communication. For being a
successful professional, there is a need to develop effective written skills. I have developed
knowledge of the writing skills which will be used for communicating in a better manner.
This skill developed will help in exchanging information in a better manner and maintaining
the accuracy of the information exchanged. Writing skills in an effective and powerful tool
which acts as a proof. I have developed knowledge of the manner in which written process is
used for performing the role in a better manner (Defazio, et. al., 2010).
Another important aspect which forms a part of professional life is professional development
and public speaking. Oral presentations and public speaking are given in the corporate
environment in meetings and seminars conducted. I have understood the importance of oral
presentation and public speaking which I will use in the future for performing the
professional tasks assigned. I will use the skill of oral presentation and public speaking for

Professional development and Business communication 4
giving presentations in the different aspects of my life. Oral presentation and public speaking
will help me in expressing my views among different individuals or group of individuals in a
better manner (McGuire, et. al., 2009).
Reflective writing is also an important part of the life of a professional as professional needs
to provide a summary of the different programs and conclude the learning. I will use
reflective writing for concluding the knowledge and learning which I have gained from a
program. I have learned the manner in which reflective writing helps in summarising the
learning or knowledge gained. Another aspect which I have gone through while conducting
the course is analysis and presentation of the research information. Being a professional, one
must gather data related to the aspects of the business environment. I have gained knowledge
of the importance of analysis and presentation of data. I will use the knowledge gained for
gathering quality data for the research and analyzing and presenting the data properly
(Helyer, 2015).
Business writing is another aspect which develops the knowledge of the individual of the
manner in which different reports are presented. I will use the knowledge gained for
presenting the different reports during the fulfillment of the role assigned to the professional
life. Promoting and ensuring the team effectiveness is an important element which ensures
that the team is working with unity and is performing well for the attainment of the objective
of the business (Helyer and Kay, 2015). I have understood the role of team effectiveness and
will use the knowledge gained from managing the team in a proper manner. Management of
the team is an important aspect which ensures the success of the business. I will apply the
knowledge learned for management of the team and promoting the advantages associated
with the team effectiveness (Perrin and Helyer, 2015).
Thus, from the above-stated reflection, it can be summarised that reflection writing is an
important aspect which helps in analyzing the learning or knowledge one has gained. I have

Professional development and Business communication 5
discussed different aspects which have been covered in the course. Knowledge gained while
conducting this course will help me in future and contribute towards growth in professional
life. Various aspects have been discussed in the course which forms a base for the
professional. I will apply the knowledge gained of the different aspects of managing my
performance and helping others in enhancing their performance. I will be able to
communicate with others in a better manner.

Professional development and Business communication 6
References
Defazio, J., Jones, J., Tennant, F. & Hook, S. A., 2010, “Academic literacy: The importance
and impact of writing across the curriculum – a case study”, Journal of the Scholarship of
Teaching and Learning, Vol. 10, No. 2, pp. 34 – 47.
Hans, A. & Hans, E., 2014, “Role of Professional Communication in Today’s World of
Business and Commerce”, Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Science, Volume 2,
Issue 9, pp. 72-76.
Helyer, R. and Kay, J., 2015, “Building capabilities for your future”, The Work-Based
Learning Student Handbook, 2nd ed., Palgrave, London, pp. 31-50.
Helyer, R., 2015, “Learning through reflection: the critical role of reflection in work-based
learning (WBL)”, Journal of Work-Applied Management, Vol. 7 Issue: 1, pp.15-27.
McGuire, L., Lay, K. & Peters, J., 2009, “Pedagogy of reflective writing in professional
education”, Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 93 – 107.
Perrin, D. and Helyer, R., 2015, “Make your learning count: recognition of prior learning
(RPL)”, The Work-Based Learning Student Handbook, 2nd ed., Palgrave, London, pp. 96-
119.
Singh, A. K. & Lalropuii, 2014, “Role of Interpersonal Communication in Organizational
Effectiveness”, International Journal of Research in Management & Business Studies, Vol.
1, Issue 4.
Smith, S. and Smith, L., 2015, “Social learning: supporting yourself and your peers”, The
Work-Based Learning Student Handbook, 2nd ed., Palgrave, London, pp. 184-204.

Professional development and Business communication 7
Vijayalakshmi, V., 2016, “Soft Skills-The Need of the Hour for Professional Competence: A
Review on Interpersonal Skills and Intrapersonal Skills Theories”, International Journal of
Applied Engineering Research, Volume 11, Number 4, pp. 2859-2864.
Winslow, L., Lindemann, K. & Rapp, M., 2015, “Communication Presentations”, SDSU.